The North Face Zip In System

“Does anyone use TNF Zip In Compatable system? I just wanted to get some opinions on it. Thanks.”

“If you're talking about Gtex Jackets, and zip-in liners, I do!

I have a TNF Mountain Light, and two different zip-in liners. One is the Cerro Torre, and the other is the Denali. I think it works great, and if you can find everything on sale it is even better. I got my Mtn light for $200 and my Polarguard Cerro Torre for half price!”

“My experience is the system works the best when the shell and liner AREN'T zipped together (hiking). And the chin area isn't all full of "zipper".

Zipped together is convenient for quick trips to the store and tooling around town!”

“I have the Mtn Lite jacket as well. I use a cheapo Columbia fleece jacket or this no name fleece vest as liners. The zippers all match and run fine. The only downer is the fleece jacket has no pit zips but that hardly bothers me. I just need to stay warm.

It is a nice set-up and not a bad way to go. It has its limitations, great when you're active, but not as nice as a thicker parka when less active. I never really thought of the "too many zippers" as a problem under the chin. I guess because the liner does not zip as high up as the shell, plus when they're zip together there is less flappin.”

“THe Denali has pit zips that allow for max venting!”

“I have a columbia jacket with a zip in long sleve fleace inside. The system works great for packing, my only regrets are that it weighs about 3lbs 5oz. It's also water resistant so I use it for light rain. Which is all I usually see in the Sierra summers. If weather gets stormy I put on my cheep ass plastic poncho which weighs about 2 oz. Someday I wont be such a poor college student and I could get some real rain gear.”

“I have a Mtn. Guide that I've had for several years and never had any problems with. It is definately more for cold weather. When its really cold I wear Denali fleece under it. Campmor usually has TNF stuff for about 50% off.”

“The zip in system is really nice, as are the pit zips. Pure venting pleasure. You can also zip in TNF vests ans I will sometimes zip in my Mountain Hardware Windstopper vest. It adds just enough warmth for cool days. Ahhh me love gear.”

“I don't like the Fleece built in to the parka. I like to layer it the way I want to. I use just a shell and what I want under it.”

“I think TNF stuff in general, zip-in-fleece or not, has gone way down hill in recent years. It's now just a fashion statement for yuppies driving around in obscenely big and shiny SUV's. Get a real jacket, like an ARC'TERYX or Moonstone.”

“TNF Rocks!”

“Hmmm, Wild Child, that seems well thought out. . .”

“Thanks,

a stupid comment deserves a stupid response!”

“"...blah, blah, blah, TNF sucks! I paid twice as much for my Arc'Teryx (that means it's better). Oh no! I look just like that overweight, outa-shape guy driving the Lincoln Navigator. Oh no, everyone is wearing jackets like mine! Now I must go out and find some other boutique brand that the yuppies haven't heard of, then I'll be cool again, 'cause I'm defined by the jacket I wear. ...blah, blah, blah, Arc'Teryx sucks."

Sorry everybody (not really) I couldn't resist.”

“I like my TNF Mtn Light...I got a great deal on it a year or so ago. I also have a TNF zip-fleece(thanks TR)but I rarely zip it in when hiking. I like to be able to get rid of layers in a hurry, while I'm moving.

The quality and durability have been great for me. As always, your mileage may vary...”

“Briar- you said your Columbia will zip into your TNF MT Light? Hmmm, I didn't think the zippers looked compatible. I'll have to check it out.

I have a Columbia shell and fleece for winter use and I have a TNF MT. Light. I only zip in the fleece when it's really cold and I'm not doing anything where I'll work up a sweat. Otherwise I layer the fleece under either shell.”

“Hey deathmarch99:

You say you have a MH Windstopper? How is it for the cold? IE., low 40's?”

“Could everyone please stop calling me Tarp Rat, I am;

Wild child
Full of grace
Savior of the Human Race
Your cool face...

Sorry Amy,

I should have spent a little more on the fleece and got you the Denali with pit zips. hmmmm... maybe that's why you dumped me. I guess I will never know... what a "cunning way to condescend".


;-o”